Ursula Hagan Travel Journal

uhagan — Wed, 1 Aug 2007 08:37:00 GMT

19th March 2007(Monday)

10.20pm

On the Plane now feeling sad- no Chris- happy, excited, not angry because the flight is delayed!! No easy jet here! And totally nervous!! The plane is the biggest in the world- Clodagh there is an upstairs and all- how good would first class be!!! Maybe one day. Window Seat and no-one beside me Result!!

20th March

3.20pm

Nearly there and really excited & nervous, looking forward to seeing Janet.

Arrive Bangkok- 32’C!!

So hot and busy- humidity feels like 100’C

22nd March(Thursday)

Well two mad days spent in Bangkok and 1 to go! Very busy dirty, beautiful, colourful, hot and humid. On arrival Janet put the window out the hotel room, very funny the next day! We’ve been to the Grand Palace, had a few trips on a tuk-tuk (one not so good!), been shopping, been on the Sky Train and tomorrow we’re off to the floating markets. Then it’s a bus at 7.00pm to Ko Samui & Ko Phan Ngan- the beach I can’t wait!!! Missing Chris a lot! The Pratunam City Inn! Hotel in Bangkok.

27th March

5.30pm

Well one week in and what a trip! I think I’m over Bangkok but never again. Too busy and crazy and everyone trying to do you! We got well done on the next leg! The night was fine, we were all packed up preparing for the worst. Tickets around waist, not too comfortable! But all was good. Arrived in Suratthani to get the ferry to Ko Samu, got Sun Burnt on ferry (only out for 5 / 10 minutes with cream!!) Hotel in Bophut Beach - Chalee Villa west. Basic, which was a shock to me!! Had a lovely Thai meal and yet again couldn't believe the heat!! Had a good nights sleep for the first time since I arrived.

Next day of to Ko-Pha-Ngan. Met a nice couple on the bus (oz)) moving to work in London. Ferry to Ko-Pha-Ngan, bus/van to hotel - not good, no beach & in the hills. Janet & I made up a story about a friend on the east side of the island that we needed to see and legged it. Across to the other side of the island – taxi / local bus over the mountains, very beautiful but roads part baked clay and looked hazardous!! Arrive in Ao Thang Nai Pan Noito a beautiful beach with backpacks still on. Check in and relax!!! The best place to come again. I wish Chris was her- lots of couples!

Lizards in room, bites- 30 so far, dogs, cats and goodness knows what else so far. I’m enjoying the rest but still a little restless at the same time. I think I need another week or so to settle.

2nd April Monday)

Ao Nang, Krabi, Southern Thailand

Had a great time in Pha-Ngan, very relaxing.

Arrived in Krabi on Friday 30th via Phuket. Just one night there to break the trip. Phuket reminded me a little of Bangkok- but ok. The hostel was great- good room/shower. Arrived Krabi- 38’C, unbearable, thankfully next day not so hot. This is a lovely area on Ao Nang beach, busy little town with lots of shopping- so we’ve spent loads and not looking forward to lifting my backpack!!

Went on a boat trip yesterday around Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi lay. Snorkelled in Maya bay which was interesting to say the least. I was rubbish, couldn’t get the breathing thing going which is sort of useful! Not many people on the boat at all, scenery was outstanding, including an old Viking cave. Railay Beach looked very beautiful but no time to stop. If you had time to visit everything it would be great. On Phi Phi Don island you can see the remains of the tsunami building still not rebuilt it was quite a strange place to visit. Funny air about the place, the beaches totally destroyed. We end the day with a foot massage which included hands/legs/arms/head and back! Thailand is everything I thought it would be, very friendly people, good fun and beautiful beaches. The food is good although not always the next day! I think I’m now looking forward to the adventure of Malaysia!!

Very interesting local bus trip yesterday when we were going the wrong way to Phi Phi! Black teeth, food, lots of talking about us between the locals!! Fun in a way. Heading off tomorrow to Penang, so might head out for a few drinks tonight!

23rd April 2007

Sentosa Island Singapore

Well so much has happened form Penang. Went to Sumatra- Medan. Very bad mad place. One night there we were told we would get burnt, call the police on us, had a glass bottle throne at us and followed around and all because we didn’t want to book a trip!!! Accommodation was the pits-£1-14 a night!! Out of there the next morning to Buket Lewang to see the Oran-utans. Accommodation not much better! Bus trip so funny, very bad road and old, old bus- about 3/4 hours long. Arrive across a very unsafe bridge by foot and hotel full- move to a new one- poor but manageable! Met and English girl Abby and 2 people from Norway?! Had a great day seeing the Oran-utans, although the jungle walk was very dangerous and Janet nearly fell down a bank and into the river! Had lunch at the river, eating noddles and fried eggs with fingers, with an Oran-utan and her baby- very strange!! Janet thought we were going to be killed on the walk back but all was good. Bus back to Medan 3/4 hours - 12 seater with 21 people + children + shopping + god knows what else!!

Another bad night in Medan, and then to the port!!! Everyone looking at us in the car on the way there. We waited 5 hours for the boat and were not sure if we were going to get on! Luck we did (because I would have cried)

And arrived back in Georgetown-Penang in one piece. Back to the hotel where we were welcomed with open arms and so happy to see us again. Had a great curry although when served we waited for the plates but the waiter came over and told us to use the fresh banana leaf! - Which we thought was a place mat!! From here we met a couple from Hull and travelled together to the Cameron Highlands. Arrived in the Cameron Highlands to rain, rain and more rain! It didn’t stop the whole time. Didn’t stop eating afternoon tea and scones, strawberry cheesecake- the best, strawberry ice-cream. The tea plantations were very good- so much and only enough for Malaysia!!

From the Cameron Highlands onto the Perthatian Islands on the north east coast of Malaysia. The boat trip was so bad, the waves so high. We had to turn back, but we went back out again. Let’s just say I said a lot of prayers and held on to Janet like there was no tomorrow- because at one stage I thought there might not be!!! We arrived on the beach at Tuna Bay to Big Island- so lovely and good accommodation. Very friendly, but so quiet. Had 3 days there and one in the room not feeling so clever!

Then it was another boat ride to Long Beach on the Small Island. We arrived on the beach with backpacks and looked for accommodation with the temperature about 28/30’C- so hot!! Found a lovely beach hut and hit the beach. That night not much sleep as we had the power unit behind us!! Moved the next day and very happy there. The beach was so good. No cars, no phones, limited elec- 7pm- 9pm. Limited email, clear blue waters, soft white sand and dogs on the beach! I really didn’t want to leave. At least the boat trip back was ok and everything including us was dry- not the case on the way out!!!

18^th-20^th- KL

Wednesday 18th- took the night bus and arrived at 4.30am with a few but not unusual stops along the way! The guy in the guesthouse / hostel was waiting up for us on arrival at 5.00am which was nice. This hostel was the start of the shared bathroom but all ok. KL was a cool city- lots and lots of shopping which we took part in!!!

Went up the Petronas Twin Tower- good views of the city but not what I was expecting the towers to be like. Had fun in the china town night markets and managed a few V.T’s before bedtime. We spent an uneventful afternoon at the Sunday Lagoon Water Park. It took us 2 hours to find the right bus and its wasn’t much good!!

21- 24^th Singapore

We took the bus on Saturday afternoon from KL to Singapore thinking, great we’ll get there and have a nice early dinner and go shopping. Boy did we get it wrong!! After changing buses to a Mecca (great bus – we sat likes queens) we arrived at the check point into Singapore, waited ages to go through passport control and bag check and then Janet got pulled in over cigs!!! Not allowed to bring in cigs into Singapore but then they gave them back to her??? I was just a little nervous thinking that was it!! Anyway that was not the problem – the bus left without us!!! After looking around for it, it was clear it was gone with Janet’s jumpers! So we had to get a taxi to the B&B which turned out to be in an apartment block with loads of locals!! We were on the 25^th floor with great views of the city. The B&B is beautiful on, an apartment really, one where you could have great dinner parties. Weight 9st 4lbs!!!

Shopping in Singapore is so mad, maybe even too many shops!! But great to wander around and buy more flip flops! We met Digby, a friend of Kris Engles (Bagel Factory) and he took us to Raffles hotel for afternoon tea and cakes which was great! Chinatown in Singapore is a little different to KL but still cool, but no shopping. Arrived back at the B&B to the owner offering us Pizza & Wine which we said yes to! Free lunch & Dinner, what a result. Now laying on Sentosa Beach watching the world go by. Janet loved the Cable Car – me, not a big fan and we had a large ride which was fun but too short – but we have the Skyride to look forward to this afternoon. Hopefully going down to the Quays tonight, Market & Boat and then it’s off to Australia tomorrow. I’m so excited I just can’t wait!!!

29^th April Sunday

Sunshine Beach, Noosa, Australia! I’m here!!!!

Well finished off Asia in style. Had dinner at Boat Quay & the best ice-cream in Asia at Clarke Quay, we sat there for hours looking around, it was great. Next day met Digby for lunch with his wife and a a few people from her work. Great craic eating prawns. I was feeling a little bit sick alright! But it was free!! Left Singapore on a shopping spree for janet and a 7 hour flight to Australia!

25^th April 2007 – Brisbane, Australia

Arrived on a holiday day so all very quiet and everyone out on the Southbank –

Beach Street

so it was only right to join in! spent 3 days in Brisbane. Cool city and Janet’s 30^th & Chris’s 35^th Birthdays all celebrated. Although not in the usual way! Lots & lots of gay bars with Janet’s friend Jamie. On to Noosa, Queensland – 29^th April

Beautiful place and lovely, lovely beach although the hostel is a little quiet, but met a few nice people.

So Oz is not totally what I was expecting, more green than brown and not as healthy! But that’s good as I spied a very, very good looking

Caramel Square

which I think I must have..

2^nd May - Rainbow Beach

Ok so didn’t get the Carmel square but a great Ice- Cream. We met a group of Irish girls and had a great time in Noosa – but quiet!!!

Noosa National Park had the most amazing views and a great sunset, but I didn’t make it up for the sunrise. I’m sure I’ll catch others! “ hours up the coast now at rainbow Beach heading to Frazer Island tomorrow in a 4WD with a group of others, should be fun!!! Again another beautiful beach and good waves.

7^th May, Monday

Well the best 2 nights, 3 days on Frazer Island. We packed up the 4x$ and headed for the ferry. 11 of Us altogether, 8 from Uk &1 from Germany, a great group. We headed straight for Lake McKenzie, so beautiful, clear fresh water (very cold, but so refreshing) and soft white sand. Lay there for a while and then moved on to the camping area. It was fun driving along in the 4X4, although bumpy and rocky at times. The first night after getting stuck in the stand we camped by Lake Waby with another group. The boys put up the tents and we started making dinner – steak, mean potatoes and salad. Then at 6pm it was dark and all we had to do was drink! Great nights craic, singing, chatting, running down to the sea and getting drunk. Even going to the loo in the bush was alright.

Next morning

OK nights sleep, I think the drink helped!!! I made a mean scrambled egg for breakfast with sand (every meal included sand!!!) headed for India Head and spotted a few small sparks in the water and a stingray. Great photo’s there and a lovely beach. Then we headed to the Maheno wreak and camped there. Again, great nights craic and good cooking, although the cooker did fall over and we nearly lost the whole pot of rice!! All turned out well in the end.

The next morning feeling very wrecked, smelly & dirty we set off to Eli Creek which was lovely, and of course I did get up at 5.30am to watch the sunrise of the wreck which was amazing. So after Eli Creek it was my turn to drive. It was so much fun, I loved it, drove right into a pool of water and covered the 4x4. Everyone was laughing so that was ok. Janet nearly put us off the road on two wheels and then headed for one of the rocks!! The boys were amazed Janet was driving so fast so she was happy! The trip was the best fun I had so far on the trip and the group of people so lovely. We then had drinks with them that night and they even came to find us and say goodbye, so that was cool – John, Romy, Charl, Stu, matt, John, Billy, woodie, Sab.

Back at Dringo Backpackers we met the same group of Irish girls and they were in our dorm, so that was good.

Spent the next day doing my washing and chilling out - now writing on the bus to to head to 1770. Not sure what to expect here, do well to find out!!!

Tuesday 8^th May – 1770

Arrived last night to a very small town about 5 hrs from rainbow, lovely little town, just chilling out and catching up. The beach is amazing. Big, big waves and lots of surfers. Not feeling the best today & Janet has a cold so laying low. Also I will over spend by £200 on the East Coast so need to be good but I have done everything I want to do and more!! It’s funny because it gets very dark in Oz early like by 5/6pm and the shops all close by 8pm. I think its just in the small towns but funny really as at home it’s the best thing about summer, the late evenings!! Just sitting on the hostel’s sofa’s at the min and not much happening which I like – a lot. Really missing Chris today more than normal days!

Tuesday 15^th May 07

Mission Beach - Oz

Well moved on from a beautiful 1770 to Airlie Beach on the overnight bus. It rained and rained all day and the accom was so bad!! Not looking good for the Whitsunday Sailing Trip!!! Met up with the UK guys, again good night out on the town so not enough sleep to prepare for the sailing trip!!! Met 2 more Irish girls that we met in Rainbow. Fiona and Blo, lovely. Got on the boat at 2pm, the lovely Boomerang. Janet and I had a double to share which didn’t look too big! That day we sailed for 5 hours to Whitehaven Beach in the rain. At one stage the boat was on its side in the water with us hanging off the other side! Great meal that night and then woke up at 2am thinking I couldn’t breathe and ended up sleeping up on deck with Fi as she had the same feeling!

Next day we went to Whitehaven Beach, lovely beach but weather not great. Next on to Luncheon bay on Hook Island for you guessed it, lunch & Snorkelling. The snorkelling was amazing. This is the start of the Great Barrier Reef, amazing. Then on to Blue Pearl – Hayman Island & more snorkelling. The fish were brilliant, blue, yellow and 100’s of them all around me. Trying to get back into the little boat was so funny I just kept laughing. Back to boat and another night on deck and a much better nights sleep.

Next morning off to Black Island and great rainbows – 2 in the sky and one that was shinning onto an Island which looked beautiful. We all had to help out on the boat which was fun & hard and I had sore arms the next day.

Back on dry land on the Sunday 13^th and thankful the girls let us have a shower in there hostel before we got on the bus. We had really bad sea legs and feeling sick all day and on the bus to Mission Beach. Arrived at Mission Beach at 11pm to a not so good hostel so we sat up to 2am playing cards and drinking G&T’s out of a can!!!

Next morning 14^th may, planned a day on the beach. Lasted 30 mins before the rain started – so off to the supermarket and do the washing. Met a few more Australian’s (funny not people really), played cards and headed to bed – still trying to catch up with sleep!!!

Now on Tuesday 15^th sitting outside now waiting to go on a skydive!!! I must be mad!!

Thursday 17^th May ‘07

Arrived yesterday for 2 nights in Cairns before travelling on up the coast. Well the skydive was amazing, you could see for miles around, and landing on the beach, coming in over the trees was so cool. Not as scared as I was the first time but still pretty bad. When I saw Janet move towards the door and the look on her face!! I was last out again! & every time the next person jumped the pane moved – not good – only thing was it was a little too short & the guys were not too friendly. Back to the hostel and met the same two Australian guys, ended up playing cards & going to dinner & drinking with them – great craic. (Peter & Sean). Janet & I ended the night with an hour on the computer at 1am, me slightly drunk!!!

The next day, short journey, 2 hours to Cairns and once again poor accommodation. 6 bed dorm that you couldn’t swing a cat in. So we decided to upgrade $40 per night to twin room, very happy there now. Last night we headed out for a few drinks first in PJ’s (Irish bar!) then Tropical’s Nightclub. Met the Frazer guys and John’s B’day, great night, really drunk & not feeling too clever today. Ended up in the Woolshed Club at some hour! Just spent today relaxing by the pool and hot tub (That’s not hot!!) Would love a cuddle from Chris. Need to sort out the pictures online tonight as its getting out of control!! Also spending far too much money and we still have Sydney to come!! Really looking forward to a week in the city and of course the next 2 days up north to Cape Trib & Port Douglas. I think I’ll have a little nana nap after this! PS Nice days sunshine. I’d say about 26/26’c in the sun!

Saturday 19^th may Cape Tribulation

Well arrived here yesterday after beautiful coastal route and a trip on the Daintree River looking for crocodiles! We seen two which was cool, then we headed to Marrdja botanical Boardwalk, by this stage really needing the loo!!. Then we arrived in Cape Tribulation, brilliant, brilliant, amazing really, you can see the coral / reef on the beach and you have to walk through the rainforest to get to the beach! So cool. I thought the beach sand might be whiter but not. All the beaches up this east coast look pretty much the same I think. We had a great little cabin all too ourselves last night and were in bed by 7.30pm!

Great nights sleep although Janet’s not feeling too well today!! Just sitting on the beach now and heading on to Port Douglas this afternoon via Mossman Gorge.

Sunday 20^th May

Port Douglas is so beautiful although I was up at 4am and watched the sunrise which was so beautiful. Then it was back to Cairns for the night before flying to Sydney.

Arrived Sydney on Monday 21^st May

Very excited to be here, staying at the YHA in Glebe for 3 nights. Lovely place. Done the Climb of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. So much fun, but very , very cold and windy. Once or twice I did think, what am I doing! Then I met Janet and we headed for the shops which lead past Scruffy Murphy’s and happy hour on the Champer’s. Great craic drinking, chatting to people, then it was off to see what Kings Cross was all about! Not as bad as I thought.

Wednesday 23^rd

Woke up with a major hangover & bad cold – up at 7am to go to Hunter Valley wine Tasting!!!! I don’t know how I made it, we stopped first at a Wildlife Park. It was a really good treat. I touched a Koala – very prickly fur and fed Kangaroo’s, great fun. Then on to the wine tasting, met some really nice people and even managed to drink! Finished the day in the smelly cheese factory, so as you can imagine a very happy girl. Janet was back in bed when I arrived home!

Thursday 24th

Move house to Bondi beach. I loved the beach and a nice little town, but the accommodation was very poor, dirty. Went shopping to Bondi Juction & then on the look out for new accom. Now happy back in town in Wake Up Hostel.

Friday 25^th

Went to Taronga Zoo. Brilliant views of the city and the animals were cool too. Another cable car!!! Headed to paddy’s Market after that for a few things and then on into Chinatown. Mean dinner in the food courts and so cheap. Met Janet’s friends cat & Hillary, lovely and then went for a few drinks in Darling Harbour. By this time Janet was well & truly pissed!!

Saturday 26^th

Up not feeling great, 3 mile trek to the post office, washing to do – as nothing clean to wear and going to meet Chris’s friend, Stin & family. Got the ferry to the Olympic village under the bridge and they drove me around and went to the beautiful park full of families all out having a great time. Then it was back to their house, very nice for dinner. Great day. Chris sent me a package which was great to get and to see his hand writing was so cool.

Sunday 27^th May

Last full day in Australia!!! Miss Chris, next time coming back to Sydney with him. Had a great day at Manly Beach, a little cold and then it was to the Opera House last night!

Monday 28^th May

Slept in for the flight to Santiago but made it ok. Short flight to Auckland for 2 hour stopover(New Zealand) and then 12 hours on to Chile.

Monday 28^th – South America

Arrived in Chile about 3 hrs after leaving Sydney with the time difference. We stayed at the Mariott it was brilliant – hot tub, swimming ,great food, amazing bed and the best thing, all for free! Although major jetlag so spent most of the time in bed!

Wednesday 30^th May

Up early and off to Peru. Arrived in Lima early, funny city, very overcast and not the safest in areas or so I’m told. Pamela arrived in the evening which was brilliant. So strange seeing Pamela here on the trip, great to have 2 other people. We had a mad night out that night as Pamela had arrived & also her birthday. Drunk far too much wine which in a way was good as the accomm was very very poor. I’d read about showers powered above the unit with electric but didn’t want to believe until I’d seen it & showered in it twice!!!

Friday 1^st June

I can’t believe its June already. Time is going so fast. Got a very early morning light, 6am to Cusco in Peru. Only one hour so ok and we have tablets already for the height. Arrived/Landed between the mountains and houses lining the runway and lots of houses dotted in the hills/mountains. Everything seemed ok until I had to climb the stairs to the hostel with my bag. My heart was pumping mad and breathing was poor. The area was really cold and the room had no heating so we jumped under the cover, clothes and all and went to sleep. Confirmed trip on Inca Trail, its all booked out until the end of August so we’re lucky we did book. The food here is really good although the tea is strange. Need to ask without alcohol. Spanish – not going so well. I’ve got the hello, good-bye, please, thank you but that’s it so far, will try harder.

Saturday 2^nd June 2007-

Woke up at 3am and couldn’t get back to sleep. That’ll teach me for going to bed in the afternoon. Getting ready to go horse riding. Not really sure how this will work out but I’ll give it a go. Ok so horse riding not so good. Lasted about 20 mins or so and then walked the rest of the way. Mad tour guide but good day out.

Sunday 3^rd June

Visit to the sacred valley and small towns around. Beautiful country, full of culture and history. Inca very important to local. Went out for a few too many drinks and then to a club – Mama Africa’s. Dinner at Fallen Angel.

Monday 4^th June

Not feeling too clever today. Very hungover and not a good idea as we head on the Inca trail tomorrow. Called Chris, I can’t wait to see him again. Meeting for trip, legs waxed & of to bed.

Tuesday 5^th June – The Big day!

Wake up at 4.30am to get ready to go to the Inca Trail, so not looking forward to this. Not been sleeping well and still not felling right after the night out. On bus and remembered no passports – they’re back in the hostel. Had to jump a taxi back to get them and meet the bus again, so embarrassing. Well the first was big enough on the trek. The group is brilliant, 10 of us all heading for Machu Picchu. Lunch / Dinners all great. First night in the tent so tired, but couldn’t sleep I think I was too busy thinking about Died Woman’s Pass the next day, and then on day 2 I woke up with a cold, sore head, throat, body, running nose, the works!!! I set off at a very slow pace to the top, 42000ft. When I got there after 3 hours I couldn’t talk for a full 5 minutes, then Rubin (guide) The best doctor in the Andes gave me the cure with a yellow liquid?!! Then it was off again for another hour to lunch and boy I needed the toilet the whole time. After lunch, feeling wrecked and ready for bed and watching other people camp we set off for another 2 hour hike to the next campsite. By the time I got there I was done and feeling so sick I actually thought I would throw up. But again Rubin saved me with a Worship to the mountains & the Incas & I was right again.

Day 3

Another ¾ hour hike up / down to reach camp. This time by 12.30pm which was great. We had a shower for the first time in 3 days & relaxed for the afternoon and waited for the other poor groups to arrive hours and hours later.

Day 4

Up at 4am . Started walking in the dark for about 20 minutes. It was a 1 !/2 hr hike to the Sungate and about 10 minutes straight up just before we arrived and when I got to the top with Janet, Rubin said there it is girls, there is machu Picchu, the biggest smile came across my face. I was so happy to see it and Knew I was nearly there. I almost ran the last 10 mins to get to the view point before sunrise. It was magical. Amazing views and just lovely to sit and look around for a while and try to start to realise what we had just achieved. Brilliant, I’d never do it again but I’d recommend it to everyone. So rewarding. The rest of the day was spent walking around and relaxing in the hot baths in the town before we got the 4.20 train back to Cusco. I chatted away to Paul & Gemma, the Irish couple I met on the trek. Carrickmore / Pdm?

A 1 ½ hour bus trip back to town and we’re in the hostel by 8.30pm and in bed by 9pm. What a great but physically challenging adventure!!

Saturday 9^th June

Bad day, woke up felling so bad. Body in total shut down so stayed in bed all day only heading out to meet the girls and few from the group at 8pm. Janet was so drunk, great craic.

Sunday / Monday 10^th/ 11^th June

Had a few days in Cusco city now and it looks like they’re getting ready to party as they have a major celebration on the 21^st June. We’re heading on an over night bus tonight down to Nazca which should be fun and hopefully a lot less altitude!

Ursula's Round The World Trip

Ursula Hagan Travel Journal